Google tests AI tool, Genesis, to ease the work of journalists, receives mixed opinions

According to recent information, Google is testing a product that employs artificial intelligence technology to write news stories and has  pitched the idea to news companies like The New York Times, The Washington Post, and the owner of The Wall Street Journal, News Corp.  

Sources claim that the programme, internally known by the working title, Genesis, can take in information, specifics of current events, for example, and can generate news copy. 

How Google and news organisation perceives this AI tool 

One of the three people familiar with the product said that Google saw it as responsible technology that could help steer the publishing industry away from the pitfalls of generative AI and may act as a personal assistant for journalists, automating some tasks to free up time for others.

Some business executives who viewed Google's offer described it as alarming. It seemed to take for granted the work that went into crafting factual and artistic news pieces.“We have an excellent relationship with Google, and we appreciate Sundar Pichai’s long-term commitment to journalism,”  a News Corp spokesperson said in a statement, referring to Google’s CEO.

Jeff Jarvis, a journalism professor and media commentator, said Google’s new tool, as described, had potential upsides and downsides. “If this technology can deliver factual information reliably, journalists should use the tool,” said Jarvis

.“If, on the other hand, it is misused by journalists and news organisations on topics that require nuance and cultural understanding,” he continued, “then it could damage the credibility not only of the tool but of the news organisations that use it.”

What makes Google take this decision? 

Artificial intelligence can make it possible for users to produce articles on a larger scale that, if not carefully reviewed and verified, may disseminate false information and alter how traditionally written stories are seen.

The technology is being planned to launch in response to calls from governments all around the world for Google to give news organisations a larger share of its advertising earnings. Following an attempt by the Australian government to compel Google to negotiate payment terms with publishers in 2021, the search engine giant expanded its News Showcase programme to include partnerships with news companies around the world.

As a result, a number of prominent AI companies, including Google, have come under fire from publishers and other content producers for exploiting years' worth of their articles and posts to train their AI systems without paying the authors. The Times and NBC News, have taken a stance against AIs stealing their data without consent.